Schizophrenia Awareness Day: Service user achieves lifelong ambition

23 Jul 26

An HPFT service user has achieved a lifelong ambition to hold his own art exhibition.

David, who has Schizophrenia, was referred to HPFT's Enhanced Rehabilitation Outreach Service (EROS) in early 2025 following discharge from rehabilitation services. EROS supports people with complex psychosis and other severe mental health conditions to build independence, access their communities and work towards personal recovery goals and improved wellbeing.

Living with schizophrenia has presented challenges throughout David's life but with ongoing support and determination, he has continued to pursue his passion for art.

One of those goals was to hold his own art exhibition.

Promotional poster for an art exhibition featuring a seated artist beside a collage of colourful paintings. Large text reads “ART EXHIBITION” and “A Collection of Bold Expressions” with the words “Colour. Identity. Expression. Art that Speaks.” Bright orange, blue, yellow and red artwork is displayed around the portrait.

With encouragement from the EROS team, David felt ready to take the next step and showcase his work to the public. His artwork has been on display at the Old Town Hall in Hemel Hempstead throughout June and was a celebration of creativity, recovery and resilience.

This is the first year in a long time that David has not required a hospital admission. His journey is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible and with the right support, people can achieve their ambitions.

Schizophrenia affects around one in every 100 people during their lifetime and can have a significant impact on daily life. Many people who live with schizophrenia have different recovery journeys that lead them to live meaningful lives.

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Schizophrenia Awareness Day: Service user achieves lifelong ambition